waiting room

smack, pop,

squelch, crack,

pop, pop, snuffle,

smack!

could the old man

chew his gum

any louder?

and then,

the old woman

in the wheelchair

starts signing

to him —

he laughs

in recognition

and his fingers fly,

hands wave;

a smile lights up

his face.

with words

half-formed,

the chewing

stops.